Brett Dal Pozzo masters Elleker time trial to notch back-to-back wins, Liz Cooper wins women’s race

The third of Albany Cycle Club’s trio of time trials was held at Elleker on Saturday morning, once again in great conditions.

As it was apparently ‘fully winter’ just a few short kilometres away in Albany, some potential competitors may have chosen the snooze option.

Like the second round, the focus was on an individual effort against the clock over the 18.5km course.

Thirteen competitors fronted the start line from 7am, leaving at one-minute intervals.

Each competitor hoped at the very least not to be caught by those following, and if possible, catching those ahead.

While the westerly wind ensured that most times were a little slower than last week, the competition was still fierce.

Starting mid-field, newcomer Florian Dupland set a competitive time of 33 minutes 57 seconds and Jacob Greenwood in his third outing on the gravel bike finished not far behind him.

He’ll be a force to be reckoned with on a road bike and also one to watch in the club’s gravel events.

In the women’s section, Liz Cooper edged out Jenny Sammons by 27 seconds to claim the win as the fastest female, reversing the order from round two.

At the top end of the field, it was harder to crack the 30 minute barrier.

Frank Bate stopped the clock at exactly that for fifth, Brent Schoof was 30 seconds faster to claim fourth, averaging 37.6km/h.

Mike Staude was one of the few to improve his time from round two and claimed third in 28.43.

The battle between Brett Dal Pozzo and Colin Rose was always going to be intriguing.

Would Rose’s full aero set-up prove to be enough of an advantage in the windy conditions to overcome his younger opponent?

As it turned out, not quite.

Rose completed the course in 25.50 just marginally slower than last week’s time and narrowed the margin significantly.

Dal Pozzo though, was still good enough for a consecutive victory, stopping the clock in 25.31.

Rose’s time was good enough for a clear win in the age standard time category.

The next club event is the Elleker Handicap on January 18 starting at 7am.

Many thanks, as always, to our volunteers who did the signage, marshalled the turn and timed the riders.